Thanksgiving Travel Soars to New Heights in 2023
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, the spirit of gratitude is accompanied by a surge in travel enthusiasm, according to the latest projections from AAA Travel. With a forecast of 55.4 million people embarking on journeys 50 miles or more away from home, this year’s Thanksgiving travel period promises to be one for the books. In this blog post, we delve into the expert insights provided by AAA Travel, exploring the factors contributing to the anticipated increase and what it means for the millions planning to celebrate the holiday on the move.
The Numbers Speak: A 2.3% Increase AAA Travel’s forecast for Thanksgiving 2023 reveals a 2.3% increase compared to the previous year. This marks the third-highest Thanksgiving travel forecast since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000. The top two years, 2005 and 2019, set the bar high, and this year is on track to join their ranks.
On the Road Again: 49.1 Million Americans Hit the Highways The majority of Thanksgiving travelers are expected to hit the road, with AAA projecting 49.1 million Americans getting behind the wheel. This represents a 1.7% increase compared to 2022, signaling a significant uptick in the number of road trippers eager to share the holiday with loved ones.
Soaring to New Heights: Record-Breaking Air Travel In the skies, the anticipation is just as palpable. Approximately 4.7 million people are expected to take to the air, marking a substantial 6.6% increase from the previous year. This surge in Thanksgiving air travel is the highest since 2005, showcasing a renewed confidence in air travel and a willingness to navigate the skies to reach their holiday destinations.
Defining the Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Period The Thanksgiving holiday travel period, as defined by AAA, spans five days from Wednesday, November 22, to Sunday, November 26. This timeframe encapsulates the rush of travel activity as individuals and families across the nation make their way to Thanksgiving celebrations.
Factors Driving the Increase:
- Economic Confidence: The positive economic outlook has likely played a role in encouraging more Americans to travel for Thanksgiving. With increased consumer confidence and a healthier job market, individuals may be more inclined to embark on holiday getaways.
- Pent-Up Demand: After facing restrictions and limitations on travel in previous years due to the global pandemic, there is a pent-up demand for exploration and connection. Many are seizing the opportunity to reunite with family and friends, making this Thanksgiving particularly special.
- Air Travel Resurgence: The record-breaking surge in air travel suggests that people are more comfortable and eager to take to the skies again. Improved safety measures, vaccination rates, and a better understanding of the virus may be contributing to this resurgence.
Thanksgiving 2023 is shaping up to be a remarkable chapter in the history of holiday travel. With millions of Americans hitting the roads and taking to the skies, there’s an undeniable sense of anticipation and excitement in the air. As families and friends come together to celebrate, the journey itself becomes an integral part of the Thanksgiving experience. Whether by road or air, this year’s travel surge reflects a collective eagerness to embrace the holiday spirit and create lasting memories with loved ones.
4 Types Of People You Will Find At Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
The Costume Runner
Here is the spectacle runner, who is decked out in a giant turkey costume. They can’t breathe let alone run, but they certainly can waddle. If this person finishes actually runs and finishes the race, it is usually by Christmas time. Nonetheless, you must respect the fact that lots of thought and deliberation went into this decision. It may even take longer for the person to get properly fitted in the morning to get ready for the trot than it does for the actual turkey to cook.
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The I Need To Win And Beat The Best Time Ever Runner
With all due respect, this runner is there an hour early stretching, even though they already completely stretched at home prior to eating a full protein breakfast. This participant is fully rested, fully hydrated, and plans to smoke you like you are the turkey. Furthermore, while you are trucking through the first mile, gasping for breath, this runner is going to pass, but going the other direction. That is because this person finished the race already and is simply running back to the starting line as their “cool down.” We get it, your cross-country skills are superhuman, and you now own the Turkey Trot best time. Just don’t be the person that beats the day’s honoree.
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The Still Awake From Last Night "Runner"
It’s common knowledge that the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest party nights on the planet. It’s a special occasion where people come out of the woodwork and return to their hometown. The local pubs may make their annual quota based on Thanksgiving Eve sales. It’s great fun for sure, as long you have a responsible ride home. For some though, they have not even been home yet. It’s much more convenient to walk two blocks to the left to the downtown starting line at sunrise than it is to trek a half of a mile down Main Street to sleep it off for a few hours. This person looks and smells like the party. If there are woods adjacent to the 5k running route, you will usually find this runner in there immediately.
The Socialite Runner
Many towns that host Thanksgiving races are deep with tradition and local history. The families that call this place home often go back generations. Somehow, your grandmother had the same 4th grade teacher that your daughter currently has. The socialite is there to talk to everyone. They are in full-blown campaign mode, yet they are not running for anything. They simply love everything that has to do with their hometown and their mission for Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, is to see literally everyone, and spread some spirit. You have to respect that.
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